Tension Headache Relief

So what exactly is tension headache? It is quite surprising to know that headache, which is a common medical complaint, has 150 types. The most common types include tension headaches, migraines, headaches that arise from sinus problems, a combination of migraine and tension headaches (known as mixed headache syndrome), and cluster headaches. Most cases of headaches that are diagnosed, turn out to be tension headaches. Their main characteristic feature is their recurrence, which gets worse due to stressful factors. The pain that is caused is mild to moderate, and the sufferer feels as if his head has been squeezed with a band.

How to Get Rid of Tension Headaches

It is obvious that most people turn to over-the-counter pain relievers to manage tension headache. Very few people actually show up at the doctor's to discuss their problem. The main disadvantage of OTC drugs is, if they are continued for a long time, they can actually worsen the problem. Common pain killers available over-the-counter include. aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Medication that are commonly prescribed to reduce pain may include, naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin) and ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine). Some people are recommended with a combination of drugs. This method proves more helpful in some cases. It must be known that, the frequency and severity of the condition is a big factor that influences the treatment.

Apart from drugs there are a few self-care measures that can be followed at home to manage the problem:

• As said, stress is the biggest offender to trigger tension headaches. So the first step you need to take is to manage the stress level in your daily life. One tip, that comes in handy in doing so, is to organize task in a systematic way; prioritizing things, precisely. Get involved in activities such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and help yourself relax. If you feel you are getting overloaded with work, then never mind taking a day off. And most importantly, use your free time in doing what pleases you.
• There are certain stretching exercises which also help people reduce the intensity of tension headache. All you have to do is stretch the neck muscles and that of the back. One simple example would be to sit in a comfortable position and keeping the shoulders relaxed, turn your head gently in an anticlockwise direction, and then in a clockwise manner. Another exercise is sitting in a straight back chair and lowering the chin. Now tilt your head towards the right, keeping the chin down. Now using your hand(s) pull your head towards the right and hold for about 30 seconds. Remember not to pull to a point where it starts to pain. Repeat with the other side. An exercise as simple as a 10 minute walk outside your house may also help to reduce the pain to some extent.
• Hot to cold compression also provides an appreciable amount of relief. Using a heating pad, a warm compress, or taking a hot shower helps in reducing the pain. While some prefer using ice packs for the aching area.
• One of the primary causes of stress in muscles is an improper posture. If you sit, or walk in a proper manner then you exert less strain on the muscles thereby leading to lesser headaches, and pain in other body parts.
• For acute tension headaches, a good head massage using coconut oil, provides a great deal of help in lessening the pain. It works better if you have someone to do it for you. Massage helps in increasing blood circulation, which lessens the pain.

If your tension headache is episodic, then you may not have to go through much of a trouble in dealing with it. It is the chronic form that is a bit more difficult to cope with. As said, it brings down the quality of life. And if you suppose the same is happening to you, then do not hesitate in seeking help from a counselor or therapist.